What to do ? Purchase or go elsewhere ?

[davatk]

Ok, so here's the scoop. Made a deal over the phone with a local dealer about 2 weeks ago. Price of tractor and attachments were confirmed on multiple occasions. Called back last week to confirm a delivery date of this Friday and dealer said all was on track.

Today, I get a call from dealer saying that they cannot make the deal. So I ask why, can't get something ? He says that he did not have the bucket for the tractor's FEL and was going to have to pay extra for it, and had not figured that into the price. So first I state our verbal agreement, and although he agreed that was the case, he also said he would be losing money if he had to get the bucket shipped in for the deal. And...he basically had no suggestions as to how to "fix" the issue. Well, I asked him to look into what it would take for him to "break even" and I would consider giving him a few extra dollars. Later in the day I called and asked him if he'd meet me half way and split the price of the bucket (about $200 each), and if so that we could keep the deal on. He is considering this, but it sounds like he's gonna do it.

Anyhow, if I hadn't waited so long for this tractor and the attachments I would just go elsewhere. But I'd really like to have the tractor delivered this weekend since I have arranged some time off. However I keep getting back to the fact that the dealer went back on his word, and that troubles me in that I wonder what else might be in the works for me to find out at the last minute.

So, that's my story (and I'm stickin to it). Just wondering what you guys thought about this experience.

 

[smokey_truck]

Based on my research this last month when I was buying my tractor with implements, always you have to find the dealer who has all of them in place otherwise the prices were always high. My dealer said initially he didnot think he had 54" mowing deck if I need it I have to pay 350 $ more but when I went there he saw the one he had it was 54" so he reduced that amount and charged me.

my experience

Ganesh

 

[JJZ 109]

Although I obviously don't have intimate details on this transaction, it would put my BS alarm on alert and make me wonder what else this dealer was going to backpedal on.
He doesn't know what he does or does not have on hand while making a deal and then confirming that same deal at a later date? I don't like the sound of it. What if there's a service issue down the line? Are they going to tell you that the problem is covered by warranty and then after the repair is made tell you that there was an "issue" and that you suddenly need to front some cash to them?
Be very wary.

 

[Bird]

When he called to tell me why he couldn't make the deal, that would have been the end of our discussion. I'd have gone shopping elsewhere.

 

[medicshawn]

It just sounds fishy to me. looks like he's got you over a barrel and knows you want it bad. So now it costs more. I see his next offer is the best I can do is if you pay even more.

It was his responsibility to make sure he knew what he was had on his lot. His mistake he should pay for the error. I agree this is the wrong way to start a relationship on something that expensive.

 

[deputy11]

Sounds like you may be setting yourself up for future grief. If you go for it and later found another fly in the ointment you will really kick yourself (very, very hard). You already have serious doubts or you would not be asking everyone else's opinion. Always get these things in writting. Too bad that's the way it has to be, not like 20-30 years ago when a man's word meant something.

 

[Sawdust Farmer]

... asked him if he'd meet me half way and split the price of the bucket (about $200 each), and if so that we could keep the deal on. He is considering this, but it sounds like he's gonna do it. ...

So the bucket is costing $400 more? That means he was making less than $400 on the deal? I don't know what the average profit margin is or the price of the package, but that sounds like a razor thin margin.

Long story short, I'm skeptical. :confused2:

sf

 

[crusty 1]

I,v known a dealer and he insists there is about a 6-7% margin.They make thier money on service and parts.Attachments are a very small margin also,if this helps any.

 

[crazyal]

I would go on Kubota's website and use the tractor builder. Pick out all your options and let it give you a retail price. From that you can take off about 12% (from what I've read) and see how close that price is to what he's giving you for a price. I could be wrong on the percentage, maybe others will correct me. But that should give you an idea for how good of a price he's really giving you and if that $400 for the bucket is really cutting too deep into his profit.

 

[RTII]

Ok, so here's the scoop. Made a deal over the phone with a local dealer about 2 weeks ago. Price of tractor and attachments were confirmed on multiple occasions. Called back last week to confirm a delivery date of this Friday and dealer said all was on track.

Today, I get a call from dealer saying that they cannot make the deal. So I ask why, can't get something ? He says that he did not have the bucket for the tractor's FEL and was going to have to pay extra for it, and had not figured that into the price. So first I state our verbal agreement, and although he agreed that was the case, he also said he would be losing money if he had to get the bucket shipped in for the deal. And...he basically had no suggestions as to how to "fix" the issue.
.

A deals a deal. A man's word is a man's word. He's either a liar or not good at his job and certainly not ethicaly commited. Stick to the original deal and if he comes through you've got the tractor at what you agreed to pay for it when you agreed to get it and if he bails you go somewhere else and get the tractor a little later. Regardless this should be your last bussiness dealings with him. Just my opinion and what I would do.

Reily

 

[Thomas]

Deal confirm than call back needs more money..we all make mistakes but dealer should check on stock etc. before given his word just in case,I'd would want to meet dealer and get to know him tad better.

 

[davatk]

Sounds like you may be setting yourself up for future grief. If you go for it and later found another fly in the ointment you will really kick yourself (very, very hard). You already have serious doubts or you would not be asking everyone else's opinion. Always get these things in writting. Too bad that's the way it has to be, not like 20-30 years ago when a man's word meant something.

Yep, that's a shame. But call me naive, but I'd like to think that a man's word still means something. Perhaps I live in the wrong area of the country....

 

[davatk]

I would go on Kubota's website and use the tractor builder. Pick out all your options and let it give you a retail price. From that you can take off about 12% (from what I've read) and see how close that price is to what he's giving you for a price. I could be wrong on the percentage, maybe others will correct me. But that should give you an idea for how good of a price he's really giving you and if that $400 for the bucket is really cutting too deep into his profit.

I'm about $1000 below the 12% discount, and my pricing is based on Barlow's best price, so I know that the price is bottom dollar, and I would agree with the dealer that the profit margin he was going to make would pretty much be gone if he gave me the bucket for not additional charge. That said, we had a verbal agreement, and I trusted that he had confirmed his figures and his stock on the attachments.

 

[keyman1808]

We are all human and error. Sometimes he cant get the part from kubota and is swapping or trading with another dealer to make it work and thats where the problem comes into play. For 200.00 if he splits it with you isnt that bad especially if he's 1000.00 below and lower than Barlows. Most will tell you that Barlows is pretty close to rock bottom. Sounds like he just made a mistake. Maybe you should bargin with him for a free 50 hour service in its place. Its easier for a dealer to eat labor and some parts than all parts. But get it in writing. Just my 2 cents maybe one cent with this economy.

 

[RTII]

We are all human and error.

I agree that every one err's at one time or another. This time the dealer didn't know he'd "erred" until 2 days before delivery after several verbal confirmations of the deal? Nope. I don't buy it. He would have known at the latest the next day and should have known when he made the original deal. If he can't live up to his word he shouldn't get the business.

Yep, that's a shame. But call me naive, but I'd like to think that a man's word still means something.

Davatk, that's not being naive, it's principled. Unlike your dealer in my opinion.

 

[donn12]

It does stink and you should hold their feet to the fire about making a mistake. Maybe they will give you all the stuff for a 50hr service and SUDT. Looking at the numbers it is pretty obvious you have a rock rock bottom deal. I assume no one else will match it so that being said if you want it get it. I would not spite myself for the 200. I think what they did stinks - maybe speak to the manager and push him hard.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

We are all human and error. Sometimes he cant get the part from kubota and is swapping or trading with another dealer to make it work and thats where the problem comes into play. For 200.00 if he splits it with you isnt that bad especially if he's 1000.00 below and lower than Barlows. Most will tell you that Barlows is pretty close to rock bottom. Sounds like he just made a mistake. Maybe you should bargin with him for a free 50 hour service in its place. Its easier for a dealer to eat labor and some parts than all parts. But get it in writing. Just my 2 cents maybe one cent with this economy.

I don't think he said he was $1000 below Barlows. I believe he said he was $1000 below 12% below MSRP. Exactly how much difference is he than Barlows? Barlows makes a profit, they are nice guys but they still make a profit and shipping was included in Barlows. The local dealer and Barlows pay the same price for the tractor, I don't know if they get different prices on non Kubota implements due to volume. If Barlows was/is the same price then something isn't true since Barlows includes a decent profit and shipping. If Barlows is higher then remove their shipping cost and see if Barlows is still higher, if so then your local guy is cutting you a deal. I personally would not want any dealer to lose money on a deal even if he messed up. I'd want proof that they are at cost since they made the deal before I'd pay more than the price they quoted me.

 

[Ductape]

1) I don't buy that the dealer 'didn't know' he didn't have a bucket, and didn't work the cost of the bucket into the price of the tractor.

2) I don't buy that he is making less than $300 on the sale of a new tractor w/ attachments.

This deal is really starting off on the wrong foot. I hate that taste when its in MY mouth.

If it were me I'd go elsewhere. It stinks you took time off from work to get things done with the tractor, but there will be time in the future to get that work done.

 

[keyman1808]

I agree 100 % that it stinks but if he needs it in the same time frame and the dealer splits the difference and he can get a free 50 hours service out of him I say "why not" . Yeah the deal was changed but what does a 50 hour change cost (dealer doing it)?? I bet it makes up for it. Like I said earlier the dealer may be willing to eat the 50 hour service because of the labor charges. He probably already pays his service guy so other than the parts he really isn't loosing anything and he could still make the sale and you still get the tractor (on time) and a free service which from what I experienced and have read also is about 300-350 dollars. Still seems like a good deal if you can split the difference and get a free service.

 

[RTII]

I agree 100 % that it stinks but if he needs it in the same time frame and the dealer splits the difference and he can get a free 50 hours service out of him I say "why not" . Yeah the deal was changed but what does a 50 hour change cost (dealer doing it)?? I bet it makes up for it. Like I said earlier the dealer may be willing to eat the 50 hour service because of the labor charges. He probably already pays his service guy so other than the parts he really isn't loosing anything and he could still make the sale and you still get the tractor (on time) and a free service which from what I experienced and have read also is about 300-350 dollars. Still seems like a good deal if you can split the difference and get a free service.

If I agreed that the deal stunk (stank?) it would mean that the dealer could not be trusted. He lost that trust when he pressured to change the deal because he made a last minute "mistake". I wouldn't trust him to change my oil - for all I know now he might just say he did it when he didn't. His history suggest to me that his word is no good. Just an example of what might be. I still say dump the dealer.